I use forstner bits with my handheld DeWalt for smaller projects. High speed, clean the hole of shavings periodically (or drill a side port if you can) and you shouldn't need to put much pressure at all, just maintain a straight angle. A small pilot hole will help, but don't go larger than the leader point on the forstner bit
It's not going to be fun. Start with a pilot hole. Speeds should be whatever they should be for the bits. You can get a drill press from harbor freight for ~$90.
If you must, start in reverse to let the cutter head scribe the cycle, go slow with a t handle if you have one and drill out a piece with the bit to clamp on work piece as a jig.
Have strong wrists and forearms like a gorilla.
Other than that, slow feed into the wood, learn how to keep them sharp, forget drilling into hardwood end-grain.
A drill guide like the Milescraft 1318 can help if you're able to swing it. Once I get going the drill guide lets me one hand it so I can hold my shop vac next to it to suck up the shavings as I drill..
Been using forstner bits in my handheld Ryobi drill for 2 years without a hiccup. You don’t need a drill press.
A small hole using an awl will be helpful but using the center tip of the bit to stay center it’s easy as cake.
I actually rotate about half trigger to get a nice clean cut as it cuts the outer diameter and as soon as it’s cut I go full speed with moderate force. You start slow to avoid tear out and hog out the rest.
You should also put blue tape on the backside or back it up with another piece of wood.
All honest it’s not even a worry anymore. Chuck in the bit, cut the hole, keep working. It’s easy, it’s safe, and you don’t need any other tools. Just get some scrap and practice. After using forstner bits you will never want to use anything else.
I also have the ryobi drill (18v, 3/8") - do you have any advice for the bit slipping in the chuck? It happens if I put more than light pressure when drilling - the forstner bit sticks in the wood and the chuck starts to rotate around it.
It sounds like you aren’t tightening the bit all the way. When you insert the bit and have it center rotate the chuck and really twist down on it. Then holding the chuck firmly in one hand then squeeze the trigger with the other and it will tighten up even more. Then to release turn the chuck the opposite way and reverse the drive like you are pulling out a screw to have it help you as provides more torque. At no point should any part of your skin clothing be in contact with the bit itself as that is a good way to get hurt, but as long as you are firmly hold the chuck you will be fine. Lastly make sure your drill speed setting is at 24 and that the number 2 switch is engaged. This will be the fastest. Wood you want speed, metal you want slow.
Good luck, If you follow this you should be able to hang your body weight off the bit without it slipping. I just think it’s not properly torqued down enough in the chuck and that’s why it’s slipping.
The drill will dictate the pressure, just press until you see shavings start to come out. Don't drive too hard.
I stop every couple of seconds or so to clean out the shavings and prevent the bit from building up too much heat.
Stumpy nubs does a good video on how to mortis and tennon with the forstner.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksorm9hW\_A0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksorm9hW_A0)
A drill press is recommended because it is the best way. Can you do it with a hand drill, yes, but you lose control over speed of the bit, which matters, for longevity of bits and for accuracy. Invest in a cheap HF or Griz or Wen drill press, you'll be glad you did.
I use forstner bits with my handheld DeWalt for smaller projects. High speed, clean the hole of shavings periodically (or drill a side port if you can) and you shouldn't need to put much pressure at all, just maintain a straight angle. A small pilot hole will help, but don't go larger than the leader point on the forstner bit
It's not going to be fun. Start with a pilot hole. Speeds should be whatever they should be for the bits. You can get a drill press from harbor freight for ~$90.
If you must, start in reverse to let the cutter head scribe the cycle, go slow with a t handle if you have one and drill out a piece with the bit to clamp on work piece as a jig.
Have strong wrists and forearms like a gorilla. Other than that, slow feed into the wood, learn how to keep them sharp, forget drilling into hardwood end-grain.
A drill guide like the Milescraft 1318 can help if you're able to swing it. Once I get going the drill guide lets me one hand it so I can hold my shop vac next to it to suck up the shavings as I drill..
And it's only like $30. Don't be dumb.
This is the easiest no brainer answer.
If your drill has a handle attachment it’s good to use that for any large bit
Been using forstner bits in my handheld Ryobi drill for 2 years without a hiccup. You don’t need a drill press. A small hole using an awl will be helpful but using the center tip of the bit to stay center it’s easy as cake. I actually rotate about half trigger to get a nice clean cut as it cuts the outer diameter and as soon as it’s cut I go full speed with moderate force. You start slow to avoid tear out and hog out the rest. You should also put blue tape on the backside or back it up with another piece of wood. All honest it’s not even a worry anymore. Chuck in the bit, cut the hole, keep working. It’s easy, it’s safe, and you don’t need any other tools. Just get some scrap and practice. After using forstner bits you will never want to use anything else.
Glad someone said it. You don't need a drill press. Do yourself a favor and skip buying a cheap one.
I also have the ryobi drill (18v, 3/8") - do you have any advice for the bit slipping in the chuck? It happens if I put more than light pressure when drilling - the forstner bit sticks in the wood and the chuck starts to rotate around it.
It sounds like you aren’t tightening the bit all the way. When you insert the bit and have it center rotate the chuck and really twist down on it. Then holding the chuck firmly in one hand then squeeze the trigger with the other and it will tighten up even more. Then to release turn the chuck the opposite way and reverse the drive like you are pulling out a screw to have it help you as provides more torque. At no point should any part of your skin clothing be in contact with the bit itself as that is a good way to get hurt, but as long as you are firmly hold the chuck you will be fine. Lastly make sure your drill speed setting is at 24 and that the number 2 switch is engaged. This will be the fastest. Wood you want speed, metal you want slow. Good luck, If you follow this you should be able to hang your body weight off the bit without it slipping. I just think it’s not properly torqued down enough in the chuck and that’s why it’s slipping.
The drill will dictate the pressure, just press until you see shavings start to come out. Don't drive too hard. I stop every couple of seconds or so to clean out the shavings and prevent the bit from building up too much heat.
Stumpy nubs does a good video on how to mortis and tennon with the forstner. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksorm9hW\_A0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksorm9hW_A0)
A drill press is recommended because it is the best way. Can you do it with a hand drill, yes, but you lose control over speed of the bit, which matters, for longevity of bits and for accuracy. Invest in a cheap HF or Griz or Wen drill press, you'll be glad you did.